A Speccy Man has a Breakdown - day 1

Read online (with audio).

Thank you for being here. More than forty fifty sixty 70 people replied to my invitation, asking to receive this series, and I’m chuffed.

I’m aware that your reasons for signing up vary. Some of you know me. Some have heard me talk about this material before. Some are curious about the process of making a book. Some, I know, have experience of the dark places I’ll be writing about. Whatever brought you here, I’m glad you came.

A word about what’s ahead. The story does go to some dark places, and that’s not something I want to hide – well, I do, but I won’t. Main thing: you can see that I came through it. I’m here, in my office, making things. The darkness and the light are both part of it, and I think you need both to understand either.

I’m more than a little nervous. But nervousness is just excitement with its coat on inside out, as someone said. Same feeling, pointing at the same thing: this matters.

By the way: I’m not planning to shout about this on social media – it feels a bit too raw for that right now. But if any of this moves you and you want to pass it on, I’d be quietly delighted.

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👉 If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a crisis line in your country. In the UK, Samaritans are available any time on 116 123.

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